Covid competition rules ?

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Spangles

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Is it still the rule of only 1 person per rider allowed at an outdoor event ie ODE ..
Anyone else think this is ridiculous?
 
We were discussing this today , given that its rule of 6 now but yesyerday i went on a farm ride to be told have to go on my own or up 6 other people , but cannot have walker with me , so ok to mix but csnt have one person from my same household ridiculous but hard when u have 2 horses and juggling x
 
Racebuddy - that’s my point exactly, it’s so rigid. As another example .. a non-horsey spouse cant drive & stay in the box whilst the other parent supports a junior/ walks the course with them - leaving horse unaccompanied on the box !
whilst we all want to stay safe & abide by sensible rules, let’s have some common sense & safety
 
I was looking at a show running in May, and that allows a competitor to have a helper and a driver (3 people total) but no more
 
Spangles said:
Is it still the rule of only 1 person per rider allowed at an outdoor event ie ODE ..
Anyone else think this is ridiculous?
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no I don’t think it’s ridiculous. I think we are increadibly lucky to be able to participate in what is a dangerous sport, under covid restrictions.
 
I agree that’s awful, common sense has to prevail. There’s no way Id leave our horse unaccompanied on the box so it’s a very difficult decision to compete with a junior if you’re the only adult. I just think 2 helpers with a rider is a sensible & safe compromise, especially with juniors
 
No I don’t think it’s rediculous. We are lucky to be having some sort of competition and if it means that only rider plus 1 then so be it. Either that or no competitions. Horses should be taught to stand quietly in the trailer/lorry. A mobile number can be attached which people can ring. Juniors should learn to walk a course themselves.

I only ever went to competitions on my own and didn’t need lots of extra people to help. When Robin was doing be we managed perfectly with rider plus me. I hate all this “it’s so unfair for me”. People need to look at the bigger picture and actually be happy with any sort of competition going on. I don’t understand why people need multiple people to help them?
 
Kamikaze said:
No I don’t think it’s rediculous. We are lucky to be having some sort of competition and if it means that only rider plus 1 then so be it. Either that or no competitions.
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Agreed. The event organiser will have an understanding of the max number of people they can take and still manage social distancing around the pinch points at the venue. If they allow more people with each rider, they will have to put a lower cap on the entries so fewer riders will be able to take part.

We are incredibly lucky in England to be able to get going at all. Wales have got to wait till the beginning of May at the earliest and even then will be capped to 30 participants.
 
My horse is always left alone while I walk the course as I don't have any other option. He has hay and I make sure that I have made friends with the people either side and left my details with the office (reg / phone no).
Not sure what the big fuss is about tbh.
I had a friend riding 5 horses on Sat at an elite event and allowed 2 grooms, they got it tight at the end of XC trying to walk all the horses off.
 
sportsmansB said:
Not sure what the big fuss is about tbh.
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No matter what rules are brought in there will be a section of people taking the hump and saying it’s not fair. It dosnt matter what the rule is. Until they get everything 100% their way they will kick up a fuss. I get so fed up of every section of society saying “we have it worse than anyone else” and “it’s not fair”. How many people have died? How many people have long term issues? How many people have hit burn out having the treat all these people? And still people are complaining that they can only go to a show with 1 helper.
 
No it’s not ridiculous as the government directive is “no spectators” I worked at 2 BE events this weekend, most people adhered to the ruling. The COVID inspector was quite active yesterday in making sure people weren’t gathering. Events are monitored by the council who have the power to close it if rules aren’t followed. I compete almost always alone & my horse stands on the lorry & has done since she was 5 so can’t see what the issue is, if it’s too difficult under current restrictions then people can’t go ?‍♀️
 
I think it’s sensible and as above no spectators allowed so more than one helper pushing it I think. I am generally on my own although don’t leave current horse for very long on own but don’t event so don’t need course walking time.
 
Am I missing something here - I thought that everyone was given a time-slot for warmup and all paperwork was done in advance so basically all you needed was your horse and a watch to be in the right place at the right time.........
 
Given that pre-covid I managed to compete in a sport that often required me to set up my own coral, go through a tack check & a map room & present for 3 stages at the correct time on my own most of the time (apart from the odd time someone came to watch the least boring phase but didn't help with any of my "jobs") then no I don't think it unreasonable to allow 1 helper but not a zillion hangers on. Now is not the time to bring the whole yard / whole family along, sometime in the future but not right now.

Perhaps now is not the moment to take that horse out who tries to destroy the box if left on there without it moving / the horse who needs a small army of people to keep them stick whilst the rider gets on. It's about managing risk & deciding what's appropriate in the current climate.
 
As someone who spent years hacking alone to shows and showjumping, I think it’s strange so many people need more than one helper?

Horse stays on the box until you’re ready. Junior from 12 or so should be quite able to walk a course alone. Accept your turnout might not be quite as sparkling as normal if you’re having to do everything yourself and get on with it.

Considering some of my other sports haven’t restarted at all yet, I think everyone’s lucky to have shows to go to!
 
I went on a pleasure ride yesterday. Advertised as groups of 6. Except when I enquired about times, every group had to leave at the same time.
Interesting definition of a group of 6...
Absolute nightmare
 
Vodkagirly said:
I went on a pleasure ride yesterday. Advertised as groups of 6. Except when I enquired about times, every group had to leave at the same time.
Interesting definition of a group of 6...
Absolute nightmare
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Any event should be following the national governing body guidance and carrying out a full risk assessment. Both the British Riding Clubs and the Endurance GB guidance for organising covid compliant pleasure rides say that people should be set off in one's or twos - basically to manage the throughput back at the venue and to ensure no bottlenecks on the route.
 
I appreciate everyones points, really I do, my question wasn't mean to upset anyone and I am most definitely NOT against COVID rules, quite the opposite. But, we all have varying situations and my question should have perhaps had a better explanation.

I totally get experienced riders being happy to go to an event on their own, I have friends who regularly do so but you cannot put a blanket over everyone who wants tp particpiate.

There are instances where perhaps a little leeway could be exercised upon direct communication with the event organisers. As an example, not everyone is confident/ sufficiently knowledgeable in taking a child to an event and will need experienced support with them - it's a big learning curve and we all have to start somewhere. A friend of mine is new to the sport and although she will put her brave pants on and drive the box, she cannot support her child sufficiently as she doesn't really know what she is doing. I am in no way suggesting that everyone and his granny are squashed into the horsebox for a jolly day out but in said friends situation, surely driving the box and staying inside with a cuppa and a good book (I wish) whilst her experienced support helps the child, is safe a compromise. It's a big ask and I appreicate it couldn't be policed easily unless you have a written agreement to show the event entry marshalls.
 
Spangles said:
I appreciate everyones points, really I do, my question wasn't mean to upset anyone and I am most definitely NOT against COVID rules, quite the opposite. But, we all have varying situations and my question should have perhaps had a better explanation.

I totally get experienced riders being happy to go to an event on their own, I have friends who regularly do so but you cannot put a blanket over everyone who wants tp particpiate.

There are instances where perhaps a little leeway could be exercised upon direct communication with the event organisers. As an example, not everyone is confident/ sufficiently knowledgeable in taking a child to an event and will need experienced support with them - it's a big learning curve and we all have to start somewhere. A friend of mine is new to the sport and although she will put her brave pants on and drive the box, she cannot support her child sufficiently as she doesn't really know what she is doing. I am in no way suggesting that everyone and his granny are squashed into the horsebox for a jolly day out but in said friends situation, surely driving the box and staying inside with a cuppa and a good book (I wish) whilst her experienced support helps the child, is safe a compromise. It's a big ask and I appreicate it couldn't be policed easily unless you have a written agreement to show the event entry marshalls.
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In the circumstances I’d maybe ask the organisers if two adults might be allowed. Or failing that try and connect with another parent? On adult to watch both lorries, one to walk course with both children?
 
No it is not ridiculous. Colleague of mine was show jump judging at competition this week. Two judges in box, separation with plastic divider. Competitor whips open door and enters, is asked to stand outdoors and is unwilling to do so. Is reminded about Covid distancing and says 'oh I am vaccinated' so it is fine. Judges response, 'well I am not vaccinated and if you will not obey request I will be leaving and you will have no judges'

Please remember all the volunteers that may be risking their own health for your sport. If you do not like the regulations you can always stay at home.
 
Spangles said:
I appreciate everyones points, really I do, my question wasn't mean to upset anyone and I am most definitely NOT against COVID rules, quite the opposite. But, we all have varying situations and my question should have perhaps had a better explanation.

I totally get experienced riders being happy to go to an event on their own, I have friends who regularly do so but you cannot put a blanket over everyone who wants tp particpiate.

There are instances where perhaps a little leeway could be exercised upon direct communication with the event organisers. As an example, not everyone is confident/ sufficiently knowledgeable in taking a child to an event and will need experienced support with them - it's a big learning curve and we all have to start somewhere. A friend of mine is new to the sport and although she will put her brave pants on and drive the box, she cannot support her child sufficiently as she doesn't really know what she is doing. I am in no way suggesting that everyone and his granny are squashed into the horsebox for a jolly day out but in said friends situation, surely driving the box and staying inside with a cuppa and a good book (I wish) whilst her experienced support helps the child, is safe a compromise. It's a big ask and I appreicate it couldn't be policed easily unless you have a written agreement to show the event entry marshalls.
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Maybe now is not the time to be taking a more novice child/adult/horse to competition.

Competing is a huge luxury- even beyond owning a horse, it's not a necessity. If you don't feel able to do it under the current regs, the child will have to wait- maybe until June, when presumably things will be more relaxed.

My biggest concern as a teacher is that if kids are out mixing with lots of helpers etc at shows, it may jeopardise some schools reopening. There are more important things at stake than taking a kid to a show...
 
Spangles said:
I appreciate everyones points, really I do, my question wasn't mean to upset anyone and I am most definitely NOT against COVID rules, quite the opposite. But, we all have varying situations and my question should have perhaps had a better explanation.

I totally get experienced riders being happy to go to an event on their own, I have friends who regularly do so but you cannot put a blanket over everyone who wants tp particpiate.

There are instances where perhaps a little leeway could be exercised upon direct communication with the event organisers. As an example, not everyone is confident/ sufficiently knowledgeable in taking a child to an event and will need experienced support with them - it's a big learning curve and we all have to start somewhere. A friend of mine is new to the sport and although she will put her brave pants on and drive the box, she cannot support her child sufficiently as she doesn't really know what she is doing. I am in no way suggesting that everyone and his granny are squashed into the horsebox for a jolly day out but in said friends situation, surely driving the box and staying inside with a cuppa and a good book (I wish) whilst her experienced support helps the child, is safe a compromise. It's a big ask and I appreicate it couldn't be policed easily unless you have a written agreement to show the event entry marshalls.
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I appreciate the problem but, if mum doesn't feel she can manage on her own, then perhaps competitions need to be put on hold for a while.

She may find she actually manages better than she thinks though so maybe should give one event a go and see how she gets on.

Covid times aside, I think many a parent has been in this situation, particularly the non horsey parent. Coming from non horsey parents myself, as a child all I needed from a parent was to get me to the show and on time.

If the child is still of lead rein age that's a different matter but otherwise should be able to cope with most things themselves I'd have thought, with mum on hand for support
 
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sport horse said:
No it is not ridiculous. Colleague of mine was show jump judging at competition this week. Two judges in box, separation with plastic divider. Competitor whips open door and enters, is asked to stand outdoors and is unwilling to do so. Is reminded about Covid distancing and says 'oh I am vaccinated' so it is fine. Judges response, 'well I am not vaccinated and if you will not obey request I will be leaving and you will have no judges'

Please remember all the volunteers that may be risking their own health for your sport. If you do not like the regulations you can always stay at home.
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This is very true also- shows need to feel safe for those involved in running them, or they won't go ahead at all.
 
bouncing_ball said:
In the circumstances I’d maybe ask the organisers if two adults might be allowed. Or failing that try and connect with another parent? On adult to watch both lorries, one to walk course with both children?
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Definitely not the first - if you can't/won't comply with the guidelines, then don't go. The second could possibly work, though.

I'm another who got dropped off at competitions for the day and was left to get on with it. I think it's pretty generous being allowed a helper in the current times.
 
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